Stain Removal – How To Remove The 5 Toughest Stains

Not all stains are created equal, some come out in a normal wash. Others, a quick spritz of stain remover before washing and it’s all good. Still others need a good soaking. Then there are the Big 5. Those stains that, when you see them on your favourite shirt, or your brand-new sheets, strike fear into your heart. But Stain removal when approached correctly, doesn’t have to be the headache it typically is.

The thing is, pretty much every stain can be removed. Some just take a bit – or a lot – more work than others. Let’s take a look at the hardest-to-remove stains, and how to get them gone.

First Things First

As a general rule, stains containing proteins – like blood and milk – are the toughest to shift, and it may seem counter-intuitive, but you should always treat these in the first instance with cold water not hot.

Liquid detergents tend to perform better on greasy stains, food, and body oils, while powders are better for outdoor stains like dirt, grass, and blood.

Now to those stains:

Hot Chocolate

I kid you not. If you’ve never had occasion to remove this you’re lucky. One of the reasons it’s difficult to remove is the proteins and fats in the milk. As with any stain, treat as quickly as possible.

Tomato Sauce

Why does it always seem you end up eating spaghetti in your best white shirt? It’s a mystery for the ages. But don’t despair, that big red stain will come out.

  • Remove any solids and spray with PreWash
  • Wash as normal with Laundry Liquid in cold water to avoid setting the stain,
  • You will probably notice a pale orange stain remains. Sprinkle the stained area with a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil until it covers the stain. This will break down the oils that are helping the stain to adhere to the fabric.
  • Wash again with Laundry Powder and Emulsifier, which will further break down any remaining oils.
  • If a slight mark remains, hang outside so that the sun is hitting the stain. This should take care of any remaining discolouration.

Permanent Marker

This is a tough one, particularly if it is on something delicate, because you will need to use a little agitation, which can damage fabric if you’re not careful.

  • Spray with PreWash and leave for about 30 minutes. Don’t double it over as the ink in the stain will transfer to whatever it touches as it comes out of the original fabric
  • Gently rub the stain, adding a little more PreWash and some water if necessary to avoid fabric damage
  • Wash with Laundry Powder
  • If the stain appears to be fading, repeat. If not, try a good dry-cleaning solvent, followed by washing as normal with Laundry Powder

Grass Stains

You might not mind too much if your cricket whites have the odd stubborn grass stain after washing. But a grass stain on your favourite jeans after a family picnic is another story.

  • Remove any solids with a soft bristle brush
  • Spray with Concentrated PreWash and leave it to do its job for about 30 minutes
  • Add a little water and some more Concentrated PreWash to the stain and rub gently to loosen the stain before putting it in the machine
  • Wash with Laundry Powder

Blood

The big daddy of them all. Especially if it’s had time to dry. But getting it out can be done. The key to this one is the Blood Remover, which is specifically formulated to act on the proteins in blood.

  • If at all possible, treat it immediately by rinsing in cold water until most of the blood is removed. If it’s had time to dry and set, this may take a little longer. Agitate the stain gently if necessary.
  • Always use cold water. Hot water sets this particular stain.
  • Spray with Blood Remover, and leave for a good 30 minutes, so this wondrous liquid has time to work.
  • Wash as normal with Laundry Powder – but in cold water. Never hot.
  • If the stain remains, treat again with Blood Remover, and wash again.

As always, test an inconspicuous spot on the garment before going ahead with any stain removal.

JAMAC Cleaning supplies have all the products you could possibly need to get those stubborn stains out of clothing and keep it looking fresh. Click here if you would like to order, or if you would like further information or advice on the best way to tackle your particular cleaning related problems, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or (02) 9838 1220.

Products Recommended In This Article:

Laundry Powders
Power Plus – Front Loader and Top Loader
Euco White – Front Loader and Top Loader
Turbo – Front Loader and Top Loader

Laundry Liquid
Laundry Liquid – Front Loader and Top Loader

Specialty Cleaners – Suitable For Use With Front Or Top loaders
Emulsifier/Oil Remover
Concentrated Prewash
Prewash
Blood Remover
Eucalyptus Oil

Laundry Cleaning Stain Removal